non trad

Question 1

What types of family structures are considered ‘non-traditional’?

Answer 1

• Single parents
• Step-families
• Adolescent parents
• Same-sex parents
• Adoptive/foster parents
• Grandparents as primary caregivers

Question 2

What challenges do single parents commonly face?

Answer 2

• High stress levels and time demands
• Financial and relationship strain
• Lack of social support (Kotchick et al., 2005)
• Less authoritative parenting (Avenevoli et al., 1999)
• Risk of poorer child psychological adjustment (Jones et al., 2002)

Question 3

How can support reduce stress in single parents?

Answer 3

• Perceived social support (from friends/family) is key
• Can buffer stress and improve parenting quality
• Positive parenting is possible even in single-parent contexts

Question 4

What are the characteristics of step-families and their challenges?

Answer 4

• Formed after divorce/separation or remarriage
• Changes in family dynamics (Pryor, 2004)
• Stepparents (often male) less involved in caregiving (Ferri & Smith, 1998)
• Child’s age affects how well they adjust

Question 5

What are common outcomes for adolescent mothers and their children?

Answer 5

• Often competent, but less cognitively stimulating parenting (Moore & Brooks-Gunn, 2002)
• Increased risk for unstable home, poverty, and health issues (Furstenberg, 2003)
• Children more likely to face school and behaviour problems (Levine et al., 2007)

Question 6

What does research say about same-sex parents?

Answer 6

• No major differences in parenting quality or child outcomes (Patterson, 2002, 2004; Kurdek, 2004)
• Face unique challenges (e.g., stigma, legality)
• Children may face prejudice but are more open to diverse relationships (Gartrell et al., 2005)

Question 7

What are some challenges faced by adoptive and foster parents?

Answer 7

• Adoption can improve child outcomes (van Ijzendoorn & Juffer, 2005)
• Success often depends on age at adoption (Pryor, 2004)
• Foster carers often manage more complex needs and shorter-term caregiving (Rhodes et al., 2001)

Question 8

What are the experiences of grandparents raising grandchildren?

Answer 8

• Often face emotional, physical, and financial strain (Glass & Hunneycutt, 2002; Fuller-Thomson & Minkler, 2000)
• May lead to positive outcomes (Dunifon & Kowaleski-Jones, 2007)
• Children generally well-adjusted (Hansard & McLean, 2001)

Question 9

What is the key takeaway about parenting in non-traditional families?

Answer 9

• Family processes matter more than structure
• Quality of relationships and parenting practices predict outcomes more than family composition (MacCallum & Golombok, 2004)